from חֵפֶץ with suffixes; my delight (is) in her; Cheptsi-bah, a fanciful name for Palestine; Hephzi-bah.
Transliteration:Chephtsîy bâhh
Pronunciation:khef-tsee'baw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֶפְצִי בָּהּ (Chephtsîy bâhh, `{{H2657}}`) is a compound proper noun, literally translating to "My delight is in her." It is derived from the noun חֵפֶץ (chephets, `{{H2656}}`), which signifies "delight, desire, pleasure, or purpose," combined with the first-person singular possessive suffix ("my") and the feminine third-person singular pronoun ("in her"). As a name, it encapsulates the idea of someone or something being the object of profound personal pleasure or desire. While it functions as a personal name in one instance, its more significant semantic range extends to a symbolic, prophetic designation for a land or people, conveying divine affection and favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֶפְצִי בָּהּ (Hephzibah) appears in two distinct biblical contexts:
1. **[[2 Kings 21:1]]**: Here, Hephzibah is identified as the mother of King Manasseh of Judah. "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah." In this instance, it functions purely as a personal name, providing genealogical information without direct theological elaboration on its meaning. The irony of a queen named "My delight is in her" giving birth to one of Judah's most wicked kings is notable, though not explicitly commented upon in the text.
2. **[[Isaiah 62:4]]**: This is the pivotal passage for understanding the prophetic and theological depth of חֶפְצִי בָּהּ. In this context, it is a new, symbolic name given to Zion/Jerusalem by Yahweh: "No longer will you be called Deserted, or your land be called Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married." Here, the name חֶפְצִי בָּהּ stands in stark contrast to previous names of shame and abandonment ("Deserted," "Desolate"). It signifies a divine reversal of fortune, a profound restoration where God Himself declares His intimate pleasure and delight in His people and their land. The accompanying name, "Beulah" (בְּעוּלָה, be'ulah, `{{H1166}}`), meaning "married," further emphasizes the renewed covenantal bond, likened to a joyous marital relationship between God and His chosen city/people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic root of חֶפְצִי בָּהּ is חֵפֶץ (chephets, `{{H2656}}`), which denotes "delight, desire, pleasure, or purpose." This root is frequently used to describe God's will or pleasure (e.g., [[Psalm 1:2]], [[Psalm 16:3]], [[Psalm 147:11]], [[Proverbs 11:20]], [[Isaiah 53:10]]). The concept of divine delight is central to understanding חֶפְצִי בָּהּ.
Other related concepts and words include:
* בְּעוּלָה (be'ulah, `{{H1166}}`): "Married," the companion name for the land in [[Isaiah 62:4]], highlighting the covenantal intimacy.
* **Restoration**: The thematic context of Isaiah 60-62, focusing on the future glory and restoration of Zion after exile and desolation.
* **Covenant**: The renewed relationship between God and His people, often depicted with marital imagery.
* **New Names**: The biblical motif of God giving new names to signify a new identity or destiny (e.g., Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֶפְצִי בָּהּ is profound, particularly as revealed in [[Isaiah 62:4]]. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering love and redemptive purpose for Zion and, by extension, for His people.
1. **Divine Delight and Affection**: The name unequivocally states that God's *own* delight is in His people. This is not a conditional delight based on their perfect obedience, but a sovereign, covenantal affection that restores them from a state of desolation to one of cherished intimacy. It underscores God's character as one who takes pleasure in His creation and His chosen ones.
2. **Reversal of Fortune and Restoration**: From being "Deserted" and "Desolate"—names reflecting judgment and abandonment due to sin—Zion is transformed into "My Delight Is In Her." This signifies a complete reversal of their spiritual and physical state, promising a future of divine favor, fruitfulness, and peace.
3. **Covenantal Faithfulness**: The pairing with "Beulah" ("Married") reinforces the metaphor of a restored marriage between God and His people. It speaks to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people have strayed. He re-establishes the bond, showering them with His presence and blessing.
4. **Eschatological Hope**: The prophetic context of Isaiah 62 points towards a future, glorious Jerusalem where God's presence will be fully manifested, and His delight in His people will be eternally celebrated. It offers a vision of ultimate redemption and the consummation of God's plan for His kingdom.
### Summary
חֶפְצִי בָּהּ (Chephtsîy bâhh, `{{H2657}}`), meaning "My delight is in her," is a powerful Hebrew term. While it appears as a personal name for King Manasseh's mother in [[2 Kings 21:1]], its profound theological significance is unveiled in [[Isaiah 62:4]]. Here, it functions as a prophetic, symbolic name for Zion/Jerusalem, signifying God's profound, renewed delight in His people and land. This name marks a dramatic shift from a state of desolation and abandonment to one of divine favor, intimate relationship, and restoration. Rooted in חֵפֶץ (chephets, `{{H2656}}`), "delight," חֶפְצִי בָּהּ, alongside "Beulah" (`{{H1166}}`), powerfully conveys God's enduring covenantal love, His faithfulness to restore, and His ultimate purpose to take joyous pleasure in His redeemed people.
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